Reviews (page 2 of 12)
Listens: 3 (plus a handful in the past) Standout Tracks: Potholes In My Lawn, Say No Go, Me Myself and I Literally just yesterday I had Arrested Development's 3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of... and I ended my review saying that if I wanted to listen to (socially) conscious hip-hop, I'd have my choice to listen to any number of arguably better artists... including De La Soul, and lo and behold, what comes on the next day? 3 Feet High and Rising, possibly one of the funkiest, freshest albums to close out 1980s hip-hop. Good skits, never takes itself too seriously, while still largely staying clear of the gangsta rap sub-genre that would become so prominent in the 90s. All of the beats are SO GOOD. The only thing I could do without is the gratuitous orgy skit. I still listen to it; I respect the sanctity of the "album", but I want to skip it. It really doesn't add anything. Far and away, the best beat is on Me Myself and I. I can only assume such a fantastic beat is a sample from the funk era. WhoSampled shows several artists/albums that De La Soul sampled in the song, but I really don't care if its not original; its too good.
This is so much fun. I can’t imagine myself listening to it in my usual life but as an experience it was amazing, incredibly whimsical. Loved it quite a lot.
YES
pretty solid
Nice Old school Hip-Hop!
Owned. Smooth, funky, fresh.
Instant five stars from me. This is one of my favorite albums period. I enjoyed them when I was younger and when they hit streaming recently I told everyone then listened to this album so much I was one of their top listeners according to YouTube Music. I'm in the bag for this album. I also own their book. So this is legitimately one of the best hip hop albums recorded. The mix is great, their flow is amazing and they sample so much it's amazing. It also kept them off streaming services forever. It's a fun, light hearted album that still feels grounded. I've been told it's a concept album as it came out as more hardcore rap was gaining popularity and they went more weird with it. I swear they had so much fun making this you feel it when listening to it. It just puts a smile on your face. Give a listen to their most recent album Cabin in the Sky, feels a lot like this one. RIP Trugoy
Great. Trying to get more into old school hip hop
Couldn't finish the whole album since I listened to it during the school day but oh my goodness it was amazing
I got this album for my 12th following the release of Magic Number and therefore I have a strong personal attachment to it, luckily it is a great album. A few years back they played a festival in the park opposite my house and gave me the opportunity to enjoy the classic De La line-up before the tragic loss of Dove. I love the laid back style of hip hop De La provide and Magic Number is the perfect intro into this musical journey. This album generally just makes me feel happier. I loved the beats, the samples, the scratching, even the skits are a fun sideshow. Eye Know is a perfect hip hop song. Sooooo catchy. Tread Water raises the fun levels even further “I’m Mr Mon-key”
70s soul foundation that builds a soundstage effortlessly (for the most part.. the skits are somewhat distracting). Just play these --> 3 Is, Mars, Eye, Soap, Say No, Buddy, Me Myself and I.. that is the pure rotation buddy. Word.
Postmodern masterpiece
Favorite Track: Eye Know Least Favorite Track: De La Orgee
A very fun album with great sample work. I know a lot of people complain about the skits, but I didn't mind them. My only problem with this album, is that I started to feel the length towards the end of it. I think this album could have benefitted from being 10 - 15 minutes shorter. Still a great album though. Low 5.
Sounds like the orgee went well.
I've liked this since it came out. A fun and funny and lovely album.
Brilliant
Bem diferente, me lembra MFDOOM, n sei se esse estilo seria HipHop ou algo do tipo. Adorei a Capa, bem colorida. Teve várias músicas q gostei, e várias q achei uma merda, acho q essa é a graça, talvez eles tentaram ser mais experimentaris. Achei mto legal q ele tem uma narrativa.
I saw one review that referred to this album as "the Sgt. Pepper of hip hop" and that's actually spot on. While I don't fully (or at all) resonate with the black experience, I fully appreciate the artistry and genius that I just absorbed. Such a great record.
Fun from start to finish.
one of the albums of all time
True classic. Have always known about DLS, but never listened to an album in full. Huge fan!
Pure Joy! It would be fun to compile a list of "1001 albums to listen to you before you die" based on the artists/songs sampled in this album.
A classic! Not writing much because I know it well.
Delightful
This album totally hits as a high point for the Golden Age of hip hop. It's like a trip through the D.A.I.S.Y. Age, all positivity, laughs, and super cool sampling. They throw in everything from Steely Dan to yodeling, the production is a genius mix of everything. It's chill and fun, proof that three friends having a blast can make magic. Some might say the skits are a bit much, but tracks like "Me Myself and I" and "Eye Know" make up for it. It's a bummer it was stuck off streaming for so long, but it still sounds amazing. It's more than just an album; it's a warm, funky, and brilliant piece of music history that you absolutely HAVE to hear.
music is love
again never thought id like this kind of music. The rhythm is tight, vocals and its flow push the song forward
Awww, yehhhhhhhhh! I've had this album since it first came out, and I'm tempted to say it sounds even better (to me) now. What an amazing outpouring of creativity and positivity. Also humor, and groovy cool(ness). Maybe what makes it even more . . . accessible (for me) now is that hip hop is no longer so new, and so I'm better able to appreciate it (I no longer need to acclimate)? I wonder if it sounds kind of dated to you 2 (since it's older than you both)? The way that you hear it must (I think) inevitably be a little different from how I hear it. And not just because I'm already familiar with it; also because hip hop was already here, when y'all came on the scene. The reason I bought the album, back in 1989? "Me, Myself, and I" -- I loved that song instantly, and still do. Other standouts: "The Magic Number" (of course I'd love that one), and "Eye Know." But the whole album is a happy, funky, groovy (in both senses) psychedelic trip. I even like the cover art. ;) 5 stars? yehhhhh, boy-ee!
Classic for a reason! Unbelievable that this came out in 1989, cuz it still sounds so fresh. I had thought that this came out the same year as the Dream Warrior's first album, but apparently their first album came out in 91. Regardless, it's so good to hear hip-hop that's fun and not all gangsta.
I always liked De La Soul pretty good…or, I guess more accurately, I always liked this record pretty good; I’ve never heard any of their other records. But, this record is pretty classic hip hop. I always appreciated that they kind of seemed to do their own thing. This record is catchy and goofy and unassuming. I wish there were more like it. 8.5/10
I dig this album more than my Mamma's lasagna, it's so excellent!
A joy from start to finish.
Tror detta ver den första hiphop jag verkligen hörde och jag hade inte behövt höra nån mer. Den har allt! Det kommer aldrig göras en bättre hipjopplatta
Such a great album
Middle school memories
Wish they still made this kind of thing.
I grooved to most of this except the whispering track I had to skip because misophonia and the unnecessary De La Orgee. Some great samples. Been a while since my high school French, but I think there was something about lunch? Appropriate as I listened on my lunch break. I'll listen (to most of it) again.
Fun, old school hip hop. I can see why this album is so influential. I never listened to it when it came out but I certainly do appreciate why it is so respected now that I have. Great beats, great samples, and effortless flow from the MCs. Perfect rap album.
Sounds like childhood ❤️
Landmark album
One of the classic albums in hip-hop history, and I think rightly deserving of its place. Absolutely groundbreaking in 1989, along with Paul's Boutique it just took sampling so much further forward (and also sparked years of legal disputes). I don't think anything else really sounded like this at the time. The hits speak for themselves (edge to Eye Know with the "Peg" sample I think, but Me Myself and I is also just such a fun song) but there were some gems in here I didn't really know, such as Ghetto Thang and Buddy). Probably an extra half star for sheer influence here, but this provided a sonic template for so many others to follow.
- Clever and Slick lyrics - Great beats - Singing about not-so family friendly topics, but they seem so happy doing it that you might not notice - Liked 'The Magic Number', 'Eye Know', and 'Me Myself and I'
Bisher interessant
I’ll go out on a limb and say this is the best hip hop album ever made, and hands down my favorite. I played this nonstop when it came out, and have had many of the songs in heavy rotation ever since. The lyrics are masterful, fun, and funny and the sampling and production is so good and complex that I would argue it hasn’t been equalled (especially since now the cost of clearing all the samples would be astronomical). The album just feels like a group of friends having fun on the mic and in the studio, and it’s also the album that introduced Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest (whose Low End Theory might be the only other album that comes close to this one). I’m awarding this one: 5️⃣⭐️🌼⭐️🎉⭐️👏⭐️
What's left to say about this? A friggin' masterpiece and a reminder of the road that hip hop didn't end up following.
Absolute classic oh hip-hop.
Points off for De La Orgee, but all in all, a great album
4.7
Awesome sounds and feels. So glad I got to listen to this
Still one of the best rap/hip-hop albums ever.
I don’t think this one got 5 mics but it’s 90’s hip hop at its best. Sample heavy, stupid skits, lots of guests. RIP Trugoy.
No. 106 90s hip hop at its finest. Front to back play, no skips required.
This album is one of the few where I find myself enjoying the skits (except for De La Orgee that one can go). Just a great hip hop album front to back with fun beats, creative sampling, and good flows.
This is my kind of hip-hop. It is smart and fun and yet doesn't take itself too seriously. The beats are solid. This is a great way to spend an hour. "Golden age of hip-hop" indeed
Beats. Lyricism and Flow are fun and cheesey. This was THE 80's hip hop album until Rakim hit the scene
Not enough songs talking to fish; too many songs referring to penises as jimmy
This album has such a… joyous quality to it. The grooves are infectious, the lyrics are fun and witty, the flows are perfect. This whole album just makes me wanna smile.
One of the best rap albums released through the 90s. Supremely underrated and similarly combative to the norms of rap music.
An album so iconic and important that it shoot back into the charts as it was included in a 3 CDs for £20 at HMV, in the late 90s (reaching 3 in the charts 10 years after it release ) The only sad thing is that like the dawning of the age of Aquarius the daisy age never really took off . brilliant sample heavy betas with great rap on top. I rated this from the original vinyl copy in my collection - I almost gave it a 4 as the sound quality is ropey but that would be unfair - it was a feat of engineering to cram the entire album onto two sides of vinyl . modern reproductions are 4 sides.
Practically perfect
Great to hear this excellent album on way to the football yesterday, so many good memories- hip hop at its very best. “Three that’s the magic number”
One of the best hiphop albums ever made. Even though it's absolutely not my genre, I really digged it, and I could tell the artists had a very fun time making and recording the album. One minor issue that I had is that it felt just a bit too long to be a perfect album. 9 / 10
Sometimes, it's about the vibe, and holy shit, what a vibe.
This was fun. 5
One of my favorites and so glad this came up on a day I really need the energy this album brings.
Take me back to this time, with albums full of skits, self unserious messaging, and some of the sickest beats and rhymes you've ever heard.
Classic hip hop album that has influenced many artists to follow. You hear it so clearly in their flow and beats
De La Orgee sucks. 10/10 otherwise
HOLY FUCK ALL THOSE SAMPLES
I just skimmed this one to make sure and yeah, still one of my favourite albums. So many bangers, excellent flow, such a fun release. A lot of skits but not overly obnoxious. Not really any misses, I like the whole thing.
This is just a great time! For a moment I thought the old school flow would grow old for me, but then when I forget about that and just enjoy these goofy guys having fun, easy to ignore! I mostly know De La Soul from their Gorillaz features, and I love all of them, and I am happy for this incentive to listen to more. POTHOLES IN MY LAWN!!
This is extremely good, the use of samples is great and the vocals are something that is still unique and really fun to listen to. Perfected the audio collage sound that Public Enemy was going for but that one was more (intentionally) abrasive
Such a fun album, I remember there was a re-release of this one in the mid-2010s and I got a bit obsessed. This one is going back into rotation.
This album is so fun! Really creative use of sampling, quick goofy bits in between tracks, really makes it feel like the hip hop of this era had no rules it had to operate within. Must have been the best to live in New York in 1991. I like the flowers in the album art, like this album truly does bloom and spread so many seeds. The only thing that I'm torn on giving this a full 5 is that the humour skews a little too juvenile, like De La Orgee is the sort of thing a 13 year old would think is hilarious. Correction: I have gone back and edited this to give it a 5. If Nevermind deserves a 5, so does 3 Feet High and Rising. I think I gotta listen to more De La Soul. Glad I listened to this album before I died.
Legendary beats, maybe slightly too long but the highlights on here are some of the best De La and Hip-hop has to offer. Essential. Buhloone Mindstate is definitely their most cohesive work though.
good
Yesssss
Daisy age hip hop. I wasn’t feeling it today but will in the summer. Get the 2 disc vinyl version rather than the 1 for best sound
Küva
As good as it gets!
man, this album still sounds so damn good. the sampling, the beats. incredible stuff. the rapping here is a little dated, but goddamn, this album still holds up so well. super fun listen from front to back.
A behemoth of a debut. De La Soul has always been on my rushmore and it is no exception this late in my life. Funky fresh rhymes and unique samples drive the collective postive theme surrounding this album. It still sounds fresh so long after and unique compared to the rap we have nowadays. I needn't say much more but I'll ding it a half star for the De La Orgee. Gross interlude but its the 90's baby. We were a pro sex society.
All time classic! Though it's a little bit dated perhaps, I still think this really holds up. The production is hyperactive and fun, the energy is really infectious, the songwriting is witty and sharp. I'll even let De La Orgee slide
Love! Incredible classic. Know it like the back of my hand! But still prefer De La Soul Is Dead.
I am not the target audience for this album, and that's ok. My expectations were low but then I listened to it, and hey! This is a ton of fun. I feel like fun and joyfulness are missing from a lot of things right now, so finding it in this album felt like a Monday morning gift. A surprising 5-star album for me.
Classic
This is an incredible album for the samples alone. It took forever to get everything cleared and reached streaming, but when it did I listened to it for a week straight.
This is not only widely considered the first Psychedelic Hip Hop album, but it's also the Hip-Hop album that introduced skits on albums, in particular via Gabe show format. Top this off with catchy beats, excellent production, and whacky lines, it's a masterpiece in the Hip-Hop community. Favorite Track: "Change In Speak".
Super cool. Would love to listen again
10
My first favorite rap album...and it may still be. Scrub!
Վայ շատ հավես քոնսեփթ ա: Չէի ջոգել որ ռեպ ա😭:
1000/10 this record means a lot to me. it's super good
I just discovered this album at the beginning but f last year and it has literally become my favorite rap album ever. It’s just so endearing and honest that it really has a special sound and voice in rap that no one can replicate even De La Soul. I love a lot of their albums but this one is just so special and different from everything else they have done and everything else in rap music. I also have to acknowledge that this album pulls off an insanely hard feat, which is that the skits are legitimately funny and actually hold up over time and don’t become cringey. Everyone knows a rap album where the skits in between are either unfunny or distracting from album and don’t age well making them even worse. But this album somehow avoids that and is really endearing still. This is legitimately one of if not my absolute favorite rap albums.
Immaculate
Got this one on Christmas Eve so it was a busy day, not one for serious listening. So this ended up being background for a bunch of other things, and it’s a good, fun album. It sounds like they enjoyed making this. I never got into De La Soul despite having plenty of friends who love them, so I’m bumping it up an extra star because I’m sure I’ll like this more with additional listens.
Extremely funky and fun hip-hop album, I can see why everyone loves it. Favourite Songs: The Magic Number, Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge), Eye Know, Say No Go, Me Myself and I. Least Favourite Songs: Take It Off.
absolutely legendary samples on this one.. i would sell a kidney to be able to be in the studio watching this album be made because i know it was insanely vibes
One of my favourite rap albums and some of my favourite songs it just puts me in such a good mood, the sampling is some of the greatest in rap history and honestly one of the few rap albums where I actually kinda enjoy the skits. One of the albums I recommend to people who think rap is only about promoting crime and to get people into it and appreciate it as an art form
Absolute classics. Need to pick up on vibyl
Changed hip hop as we knew it. As far as debut albums go this is peak success. Soulful and positive for the time, a shift from the violent gangster rap of its time. I think De La Soul popularized the hip Jo skit. With no fear of being silly they almost poke fun of the seriousness in rap at that time. A classic, no notes. Something to come back to when you need something upbeat and fun.
Mostly enjoyed this! I just wish it slightly fewer skits and bits. "(3 Is) The Magi Number" "Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge)" "Eye Know" "Tread Water" and "Potholes In My Lawn" were all faves.
An album that was so ahead of its time. Who would have thought one of the best east-coast 90s hip-hop records would have come out in ‘89? Really creative beats and production. Not the best lyricism and the some of the tracks do start to blend together. But these are overall minor critiques in light of how good the overall song crafting is and how the vibe De La Soul creates on the album. 3 Feet High and Rising really stands the test of time as one of hip-hop’s best albums.
I enjoyed this way more than I thought would. Great album.
This was a super fun and feel good album with fantastic sampling and a lighthearted, humorous tone. I just felt good by the end of my listen. This is one of my dad’s favorite albums so it adds an extra positive bonus to it. 5/5 would recommend
This album changed what hip could be and they did it in a way that changed hip hop and music forever
I bob my head, always halfway amazed, when they lay down "The Magic Number" in rapid fire. I laugh out loud when they compare losing your virginity to playing "Chopsticks" at your first piano recital on "Jenifa Taught Me." I reach temporary enlightenment during "Eye Know" (that Otis Redding sample was worth waiting 35 years to clear). I hear the fountain of so much of what hip-hop is, and was, and could be again, on "Potholes in My Lawn." I daydream about how much time was wasted on D.A.R.E. courses when I was a kid that could have just been replaced with playing "Say No Go" for the kids and then walking out. I can't listen to "Me Myself and I" without my White ass shaking semi-voluntarily. Can't help it - I'm powerless against something this good.
The patchwork on these samples is out of this world to really appreciate it. You gotta realize the attack that they were using our lack of tech really they’re cutting up all this stuff and layering it on top of each other all analog pulling from Records the sourcing of these samples are just so incredible. They weave it all into this great groove throughout the whole album always love the message that they are pushing is just smart hip-hop. Good shit good shit good shit.
Perfection. No notes.
Such a great hip hop album that I haven’t listened to in years. Funny, smart, and great beats. Plus Q-Tip added into the mix.
Loved this
One of my favorite hip hop albums. Very fun laid back energy. Love all of the sampling.
Rips
A masterpiece!
three wheels of cheese high and rising
11/13/25. Always happy to revisit this, amazing album. From the production, samples, and storytelling, this is definitely one of my favorite hip hop albums, and overall, likely my favorite album from the late 80s.
The album that was on the forefront of it all. So many emcees all owe it to the native tounge/zulu. The perfection of socially conscious rap, the perfection of boom bap. They might of walked so Tribe could run but this album never gets old. De La Soul to laugh Tribe to be political.
Pure fun!
So funky, so abstract. There's a lot going on here. Sometimes not enough. Sometimes it loses its way - especially in the deluxe re-release, but overall a groundbreaking banger that still sounds great 4.5
90s hip hop at its finest. Front to back play, no skips required
Amazing. No notes
Love de la soul. One of my favourite rap groups. Me, myself and I is my favourite song off this album. I would have to say that they were one of the most influential groups in the rap genre, in my eyes anyway. They brought rhythm, great beats, and awesome lyrics to their music.
Genius
Love.
What a treat! The magic number is 5.
35 years on, It’s saying something that this is even listenable at all, never mind standing tall as a landmark of hip-hop and of music in general. 3FH&R is essentially an episode of Sesame Street to a funky beat but it’s the top notch flows, esoteric sample choices, and CHOONS which are the solid foundations to its longevity.
All-time great album and means a whole lot to me personally.
A bit of a long album but it didn’t feel that way because it was so playful and fun. I love De La Soul and I love Tribe so this album is always a treat to listen to.
Alright, getting to check out De La Soul today. The Long Island trio of Kelvin "Posdnuos" Mercer, David "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur, and Vincent "Maseo" Mason is considered one of the biggest alternative hip-hop groups out there, and they have been playing the game since high school. They got to work early on with producer Prince Paul, known for leading the hip hop group Stetsasonic, and exploded onto the scene with their debut, 3 Feet High and Rising. Right off the bat, the production on this record is astounding. This is one of those early sample-heavy hip-hop records where De La Soul and Prince Paul pulled several elements from existing tracks to create new sonic palettes. The hook of "Me, Myself and I" lifted from Funkadelic's "(Not Just) Knee Deep", the foundation of "The Magic Number" being based on an old Schoolhouse Rock tune, the multiple utterances of "rock" used throughout "Cool Breeze on the Rocks", sneaking in a bit of Kraftwerk's "Trans Europe Express" on "Ghetto Thang". Hell, one of my favorite tracks on this album, "Eye Know", is a grooving cross between Otis Redding, Sly & the Family Stone, and Steely Dan of all bands. Much like the Beastie Boys would do on Paul's Boutique later that same year, De La Soul were very inventive in how they incorporated the samples to create fresh beats and ad-libs for a fun, timeless listening experience. As for the lyrical content, the three of them traded bars that swerve between intellectual and surreal. These are three dudes having fun while also largely avoiding or lampooning the more confrontational subject matter of the purveying gangsta rap of the time. From dealing with sexual encounters on "Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge)" and "Eye Know", to addressing poverty and social injustice on "Ghetto Thang", to speaking awareness of overtaking drugs on "Say No Go", to standing up against labels being put on them on "Me, Myself and I", and offering guidance in moving forward with life on "Tread Water", the group spoke thoughtfully on the different problems they were seeing. All the while, they threw in hilarious bits like sharing secrets, offering soap to deal with smells, and goofing around with their fellow Native Tongues friends on the posse cut "Buddy". Continuing with the humorous nature, this album is one of the first in hip-hop history to employ skits. Mostly, the narrative of this record involves a game show in which all the members are contestants trying to answer questions, and the skits work in this lane for the most part. I could have done without the "De La Orgee" skit, but even that wasn't enough to deter me from enjoying this record. Plus, an argument could be made that they were once again lampooning the more sexual tendencies of some rap groups. Overall, 3 Feet High and Rising proved to be a phenomenal debut for De La Soul. The guys knew how to break onto the scene with their own identity, and are all the better for it.
FUCKING BANGER. peace love and hip hop for real. I am obsessed and forever upset that I wasn’t around to hear 80-90s hip hop as it happened.
BANGER 5/5
An absolute classic that helped redefine the hip hop genre and maybe even help make it a bit more accessible to the suburban white parents who thought their kids were becoming degenerates.
Clouds part for the hip-hop sunshine radiating from De La Soul’s brightest day.
So early nineties. So much fun.
I’ve always said that Hip Hop is at its best when it’s FUN and this exactly what this is. You can tell they had a great time creating this :)
holy shit
fun vibey album, didn't know this was from the 80s, sounds very modern. Favorite track: Eye know other picks: magic number, me myself and i, say no go, buddy
Have only been aware of De La Soul, and haven't spent any time to listen to them. This album is phenomenal! Granted, I'm a Tribe fan and seeing QTip is on this album and De La Soul is chummy Tribe all makes sense. Great samples from some big songs and perfectly incorporated into their songs. Big time props for Eye Know for using Steely Dan. I may actually have to buy this album
A great listen when it came out in 1989 and a great listen today. This was from the period of time when I listened regularly to hip hop music, and De La Soul was one of my favorites. So fun, so inventive, so intelligent. I worried it would sound very dated, and I didn't think it was at all. Some of the reviews commented on the game show skit that is followed through the album, and I didn't really remember it being all that much of an issue. And it wasn't. It was barely a thing. Some people just like to complain to complain I think.
Top!
A master class of how to make samples work. Overall a very fun album its hard to sit still to this one.
I heard a hilarious story about De La Soul in a New York Times podcast a few years ago as part of the whole Hip Hop at 50 celebration. After this album blew up, the group joined a tour with Public Enemy and a couple other acts, and people were giving the them a lot of shit about supposedly being hippies. They did not take kindly to this and became notorious on that tour for getting into fistfights with detractors (Maseo had a boxing background, IIRC). Anyway, it’s hard to know what to say about albums like 3 Feet High that hasn’t already been said a million times. Yes, they blew open the doors on what was possible with sampling, introducing a previously untapped level of creativity. Yes, the lawsuits that indiscriminate sampling spawned helped bring about the eventual downfall of the form. Yes, Prince Paul emerged as a brilliant producer. On top of all of that, it’s just funky and incredibly fun. And I’ve always felt that De La doesn’t get enough credit for their clever wordplay and flow — there's a really smart poetry in their rhymes. These were essentially three teenagers living with their parents in Long Island who figured out how to loop snippets from random LPs they found at rummage sales and their parents’ record collections and fuse it into something that sounded like no hip-hop or anything else before it. They were Transmitting Live From Mars, and they changed the course of popular music. RIP Dave.
Just a classic. When this dropped it was perhaps the best rap album ever recorded. Prince Paul's beats still sound good and the corny nursery rhymes of earlier rap records are replaced with flow and lyricism.
How can you not listen to this album without a smile? One of the best. Yea, the skits are corny. Maybe they didn't age very well. The music did, though. Still great.
A highly inventive and positive rap album. No one sounded like these guys and they would never sound like this again. This is the album that made me fall in love with Hip Hop.
Hip-hop's "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Equal parts hilarious, irreverent, ambitious and groundbreaking. There was absolutely nothing like this in the rap universe until the three plugs from the Amityville suburbs of Long Island completely flipped the idea of what you could sample and rap over. Who else, in 1989, was sampling Otis Redding and Steely Dan on the same track? Or Hall & Oates and Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, James Brown, the Beatles, the Monkees and Jefferson Starship on the same album? The legacy of the D.A.I.S.Y. Age is all the vibrant hip-hop that came after. That this album pigeonholed Posdnuos, Dave and Maseo as hip-hop hippies until "Stakes is High" completely recast De La's legacy is lame, but this album lives among the greatest ever. How many times did the Batmobile catch a flat?
“Every last viewer is tuned to the method / Known to be a method, no magicians, not a trick” The origin of skits in hip hop. The precedent for has-been rockstars to expropriate earnings from younger artists. An all-time classic situation of a group hating their lead single. And a pervasive, infectious joy in the creative freedom that open sampling and spoken poetry can provide. Peaks: Plug Tunin, Potholes in My Lawn, Eye Know, Buddy, The Magic Number
5/5 - I needed to hear this because it’s a genuinely fun album that made me smile. I had heard the hits before, but skits aside, there were no skips here for me. Playful and goofy. I like it.
Oh my god, what a fun album. Inwas aware of De La Soul, but honestly, thus is a fun rap album that made me enjoy rap. 5/5
Those beeeeeats. Starting off with a School House Rock mix immediately elevated this to a 5 star album for me. Then it just stayed good. Not necessarily a top genre for me generally but this was definitely a near perfect album (in my eyes).
It's bit long for my liking but the quality between the tracks more than make up for it. Here you've got 3 fellas bringing their charm, wit, and own twist on the rap genre as a whole. It's funny, corny (on purpose), vibrant, and an overall positive vibe to it. In stark contrast to what was trending at the time. The influence this had cannot be understated, it took me a bit too long to realize one of my favorite albums of all time "Wildflower" by The Avalanches was influenced by this album and it's beautiful to find and understand the connection. Apart from "De La Orgee" there aren't any bad songs on this album but in the spirit of being different and messing around I can sorta respect the creative risk. It was a pleasure. Top 5: Magic Number, Eye Know, Say No Go, Plug Tunin', Me Myself And I Honorable Mentions: A Little Bit Of Soap, Tread Water, and Jenifa Taught Me Worst: De La Orgee 4.50-4.75/5
Find me an album that's more fun. I'll wait.
Great album! I really enjoyed it. This is the Hip Hop that I like. The Kayne kind feels very meh. This, on the other hand, is funny, creative, with soul and a message. Loved it For me, 8.8 out fo 10 since not a biig fan of hip hop
Look I’m going to give this a five. The songs are great but it almost dropped down to a four because of the dumb skits between songs.
#121/1001. What a fireworks for an album. I'm sure there is a Religion and a Church of De La Soul out there somewhere, where their lyrics, beats and samples are studied as meticulously as the Talmud. The Gospel of Good and the Bad and the Soul and the Hip Hop and Peace, the Da Inner Sound, Y’all. First time listening (?) to the whole album, these Inputs and Outputs of sound coupled together with the crate digging and humor by P.Paul and all make me understand much of the later and earlier music, potholes in the lawn accross the world. Classic.
Loved it.
Fun as hell
AMAZING
When I saw this pop up this morning I cheered out loud. This is such a classic and I never mind going back and giving it a relisten. What a debut this was. It’s my 2nd favorite De La Soul album, behind AOI: Bionix.
This was such a good fucking time
Hell Yeah.
This album was a surprise. The beats are great and the skit stuff/joke songs were often actually funny. I found myself enjoying this immensely, and so it gets my second 5/5
Best ever
A 5 star album to me is one I get through without any skips. For this one, I’m going to ignore the urge I felt to skip through the few too many skits. I can appreciate them for their place in time. “Eye Know” is probably in my list of top 10 best hip hop songs of all time. Of course this entire album is just as good of a listen. Rhymes and flow smooth like butter, beats and music cool like a Saturday afternoon.
I think this deserves a 5. Do I love every track? Of course not, it's a hip hop album in the late 80s and you had to have skits. Do I think it's a phenomenal cultural landmark with some amazing jams? I sure do. Eye Know a GOAT.
Awesome! Look for more of them.
Beats fra allerhøjeste hylde
5/5. When imagination is not limited by copyright or ego, we get great and unique albums like this. The diverse samples with the upbeat and progressive lyrics, it is clear how the rap game changed after this album, with Tribe called Quest releasing their debut shortly after this. Jazzy psychedelic hip hop with chill beats and funny lines here and there, it's complex while still keeping a more down to earth energy. The sheer creativity across the record alone gives it that perfect score but as a listener, I am just curious to explore than the first couple listens. It's long but it is entertaining so it never gets boring, not taking up too much time to explore new ideas, bringing them up and putting them back when they are done. A great record of inspiration. Best Song: Eye Know, Me Myself And I, Potholes In My Lawn, The Magic Number
Always a favorite and has been for a few decades at this point. Love the samples and think there are 8 to 10 hip hop classics on here. Two favorite songs, which is what I'm trying to pull out for each album are "Buddy" and "Me Myself and I." Obviously the latter was a huge breakout for them, while the former is essentially a De La Quest song because Jungle Brothers and Q-Tip feature. Always fun to listen to this album.
Loved it. Was an awesome good mood vibe setter.
The first and best de la soul album. Funny, tuneful, peerless rapping. Say no go is magnificent, me myself and I is funky, 3 is the magic number always brings a smile to the face. The comedy songs and skits are also worthy of their spot which isn't always the way in a lot of hiphop albums. Best hiphop album of all time without question.
Classic material! This is a sampling masterpiece! So many amazing sounds that somehow work so well together, dope lyrics and a new and refreshing sound! I love this record and it's not even my favorite De La record!
amazing album
Banger
Pretty classic, although the skits are kind of blah and De La Orgee is downright cringe-worthy. Not perfect but the highs make up for the lows.
As a big tribe guy how have I not heard this until now? Its not the same but its from the same vein for sure. The production is so not typical for the time. Its not the real old school style nor is it the gangster stuff on the horizon. It feels like it was so far ahead of its time that it jumped a generation almost. Its still kinda basic flows but they are fun and funny at times. Just a really really good time. I can't belive it took this long oh my god. Everyone else should jump on this too please pleeeeaassseee
Made me realize and learn once and forever that you create art for yourself and if others enjoy it all the better. This is one of the most creative and expressive albums ever. Every song on it has something in common with all others but is also totally different.
Still one of the greatest after all these years. The high point for sampling based production and an innovation in rapping.
Really good hip hop album. So many great samples and beats with good lyricism and flow. My only complaint with this album is the padding. I didn't need to hear "De La Orgee", longest minute of my life But outside of that, this is great stuff
my impression of this album before a certain video came out: aren't this album by the rap group who were featured on feel good. inc? my impression of this album after a certain video came out: https://youtu.be/ZT2uYUlcE5g?t=20 so Mr. John Flansburgh... i 100% agree with your approval of this album. i really like the creative way they used sampling and how this album radiates positivity and fun instead of anger and dissatisfaction at the modern society, or money, violence, the hood, and women like what the genre looked like back in the day. and the skits are absurdly funny as well. 4.5/5
LOVE this album
this was such a fun listen, the grooves on it make you wanna bop your head, the bars are smooth, the interludes are funny, this album is a great listen, very ahead of its time for the 80s
A return to the classics
This album is just so much fun. This is why I listen to this list - I never would've listened to this organically.
How charming
Again my era . This album only came onto Spotify last year or so. So my vinyl copy was nearly worn out I have had it since the 80s can only give 5 stars would give it more.
Chaotically slick production and cool and relatable lyrics from The Plugs. 10/10
If I heard this in 1989 it would have radicalized me. I loveeee hip hop and old school hip hop specifically. It’s fun, it’s whip smart, it’s funky, it talks about serious issues without bumming you out. I was smiling the entire time I listened to it. I’ve been told so many times that I would love de la soul but WOW I didn’t expect to love then this much. It’s just so fun. I’d watch this as a full movie. I’d love to have this on vinyl! It makes me want to walk around outside in a big city in the summer. The perfect album for that.
I was back in high school for about an hour!
One of the finest hiphop albums created. I remember this being the first album the showcased the poetry, intelligence, and humanity of hiphop. 5/5
Not sure I've ever listened to them before and I didn't know what to expect. I seriously enjoyed this and am looking forwards to checking out more.
A little too long but honest, excellent.
avoided the issue on spotify since that removes a few samples (man, copyright law makes me so mad). god this album is so great. cracked wide open the possibilities of what hip hop music could be. sunny and bright, and with brilliant production courtesy of Prince Paul. delightfully on the same wavelength as the acid house from across the pond, but in a completely different context. Me, Myself and I is a massive tune. fairly backloaded but god is that back half good deserves to be one of the 1001? mhm mhm! a rare album that really could not be made today in all its sampledelic glory. simply essential. one of the most important 80s hip hop albums
A great album from my favourite era of hip hop. Doesn’t take itself too seriously. A classic album to play in the car in summer with the windows down. At times it crosses the line into goofy but I’ll forgive it because the beats are great and I love these three guys.
One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, nay, albums in any genre
Might be the first 5 star album on the list. Funny, clever, and sampling so good that it's hard to clear to repress or put on streaming services. - mitona
Reminds me of some other stuff I like (Digable Planets, Arrested Development, Tribe Called Quest) except singing about potholes, soap and other random shit.
One of my favorite albums ever. The samples r outta this world.
Laidback interesting production, innovative lyrics, and making their own lane
Ritmos frescos y las voces rapeadas mantienen la vibra
I'm enjoying the game-show intro. I hope the rest of the album is a full game-show. Wow, "(3 Is) The Magic Number" is a song that I heard once in a while a LONG time ago, and I've never known what it was. I love the hook, and the verses. "Can U Keep A Secret" is a weird song, it's a funny idea but isn't that great to listen to. Lots of people have dandruff. "Eye Know" sounds like its sampling just Otis' whistling, which is funny. This is a great song, the other sample is great too. "Take It Off" is another weird song. "A Little Bit of Soap" has dope flow and a fun beat. It's also funny. Please use soap. "Tread Water" is back to the fundamentals with a dope beat and bars. I forgot to write my thoughts on the back half of the album, but it was all pretty good. "This Is A Recording" was my favorite. I maintain that an hour is too long for almost any album, and this album had its boring sections. Despite that, the highs were high enough that I'm willing to give this a 9. 9/10
Sublime
Love this album!
Ik heb nog wat achterstallige albums liggen, maar ik ga deze even tussendoor pakken want de boog kan niet altijd gespannen zijn. De La Soul: heerlijke rapgroep. Een hoorbaar oldskool album. Maatschappijkritisch maar niet zonder plezier. Het is een beetje melig en op een geinige manier wat afgezaagd en het staat daardoor lijnrecht tegenover de veel te stoere gangsterrap waar je misschien al gauw genoeg van krijgt. Af en toe is het me net iets te simpel (track 6 bijv.), maar het stoort niet echt. Wat ik lees op de wiki is dat dit album verantwoordelijk is voor skits op hiphopalbums en daar heb ik een haat liefde verhouding mee die iets meer richting haat dan liefde leunt. Maargoed. Ik vind ze op dit album wel geinig. Een liedje over hoofdroos, een Frans intermezzotje met lekker beatje, een kort trackje waarop ze aangeven dat ik me een keer moet wassen. Prima. Alleen De La Orgee is een hard skip voor mij. Het is niet altijd zo geweest, maar tegenwoordig vind ik De La Soul een feest om te luisteren. Ik denk dat zelfs rap- en hiphop haters groepen als De La Soul en A Tribe Called Quest over het algemeen nog wel kunnen waarderen. Terecht wat mij betreft. Ik vind het niet eens het beste rapalbum ooit (die eer gaat natuurlijk naar Lange Frans en Baas B - Supervisie (2004)) maar het is wel een essentiële. Ik geef hem 5 sterren.
Excellent and fun and feed good!
5/5
Both, this album and the previous one have opened my eyes and heart to rap and hip hop. I really liked it.
Loved it front to back!
this is the ultimate boy best friends album. i enjoyed it so much. fun, funny, funky. i also love their long island accents. fav tracks: 3 is the magic number; change in speak; eye know; transmitting live from mars; me myself and i
Um dos álbuns seminais de um estilo de rap ligado mais ao Groove, com uma pegada jazzística e livre. É sempre reconfortante voltar nesse disco e ver a criatividade dos samples utilizados. Só considero cansativo ele ser tão longo, mas não sei como eu o diminuiria.
Pretty chill
All bangers the past 3 days. Incredible album.
A favorite of mine. I like how cohesive the album is and I like how much fun they’re obviously having. Probably a top 5 of all time for me
I'm really tired so I'm going to go over it fast great vibes great lyrics and unmatched production while listening to the first half of the album I was just disappointed that there are other genres in music Also loved the beastie boys reference
A hip-hop masterpiece. From start to finish, this is a complete banger. Every song, every skit are incredible. The sampling is top notch and it 's a bridge between the drum breakdown beats of the 80s and the melodic beats of the 90s. From social commentary to incredible humour, the lyrics are great. It's flawless. 5/5
the magic number
Total classic. One of the best hip hop albums of all time. This is what party should sound like.
9/10 Still remains as an all time classic, one of the most witty and creative pieces of Hip Hop in history, RIP Trugoy
Круто узнать истоки экспериментального хип-хопа, заметил элементы, которые в некоторой степени, как мне показалось, переняли тайлер создатель и клиппинг. Просто невероятные вайбы девяностых - нулевых
It’s my favorite De La Soul album!
Obviously a classic. Quick upbeat and intelligent. King of the samples
Still "The Magic Number"
This one is tough. Like Paul's Boutique, it features an insane smorgasbord of samples (famously or infamously). It's got a flow like De La Soul, it's a complete product as an album (which I always give respect to) but here comes the BUT! It features some...youthful exuberance that I'm a little old for now? I dinged the beastie boys for it. It's a little long, I complain about many albums being too long. Can I hold this against it? After sitting and listening, I can't, even though I've held it against other albums. Fun almost all the way through, and anywhere it trips it gets right up and keeps going, which is almost inspiring. It's a great.
## In-Depth Review of *3 Feet High and Rising* by De La Soul De La Soul’s *3 Feet High and Rising* (1989) stands as one of hip-hop’s most inventive and influential albums, reshaping the genre’s sound, aesthetic, and thematic possibilities. This review examines its lyrics, music, production, themes, and lasting influence, while weighing its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## **Lyrics** De La Soul’s lyricism on *3 Feet High and Rising* is marked by wit, offbeat humor, and a playful approach that was a radical departure from hip-hop’s prevailing trends in the late 1980s. While much of the rap landscape was dominated by the aggressive narratives of gangsta rap, De La Soul’s verses were “bizarre and surreal,” often focusing on everyday topics with a whimsical twist—ranging from personal hygiene (“A Little Bit of Soap”) to gardening metaphors, and even anthropomorphic animals (“Tread Water”)[1][3][7]. The group’s lyrics are packed with clever wordplay and layered references. Tracks like “Me Myself and I” champion individuality and self-acceptance, while “Eye Know” delivers a breezy, romantic message using a Steely Dan sample as its backbone[3][5]. “Ghetto Thang” shifts to a more serious tone, reflecting on urban life and systemic struggles, yet even here, the delivery is thoughtful rather than confrontational[3][7]. De La Soul’s use of the “D.A.I.S.Y. Age” motif—an acronym for “Da Inner Sound, Y’all”—was both a statement of their ethos and a recurring lyrical device, signaling a “sunnier,” more positive outlook[1][3]. Their verses often eschew profanity (with rare exceptions), favoring positivity, introspection, and humor over aggression or materialism[5]. **Pros:** - Highly original, playful, and intelligent lyricism - Wide thematic range, from the deeply personal to the absurd - Positive, non-confrontational tone that was rare at the time **Cons:** - Some rhyming patterns and references may feel dated to modern listeners[2] - Occasional skits and humor may not resonate with all audiences --- ## **Music and Production** Prince Paul’s production on *3 Feet High and Rising* is nothing short of revolutionary. The album is a sample-heavy collage that draws from an eclectic mix of genres: funk, soul, jazz, psychedelic rock, doo-wop, and even children’s music[1][3][4]. The result is a sonic landscape that is unpredictable, vibrant, and endlessly inventive. Sampling is at the heart of the album’s sound. Iconic tracks like “Eye Know” utilize Steely Dan’s “Peg,” while “Say No Go” flips Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” and “The Magic Number” borrows from Schoolhouse Rock[5][7]. The album’s production is dense and layered, with snippets of old music, quirky sound effects, and unexpected transitions. Prince Paul’s use of the Casio RZ-1 drum machine and Eventide harmonizer enabled the manipulation and blending of disparate samples into cohesive tracks[1]. The album’s structure is also notable for its inclusion of skits, particularly the recurring game show theme, which ties the project together and adds to its playful atmosphere[1][3][7]. These skits, rather than feeling like filler, are integral to the album’s personality and flow. **Pros:** - Groundbreaking use of diverse and unconventional samples - Inventive, psychedelic, and unpredictable soundscape - Skits enhance the album’s concept and cohesion **Cons:** - The dense, sample-heavy production can be overwhelming on first listen - Some samples and production choices may sound dated or less impactful today due to changes in hip-hop’s sonic landscape[2] --- ## **Themes** *3 Feet High and Rising* is thematically rich, exploring a broad spectrum rarely seen in hip-hop at the time. The album’s central message is one of positivity, individuality, and creative freedom. The D.A.I.S.Y. Age philosophy embodies a rejection of hip-hop’s growing materialism and violence, instead embracing peace, harmony, and Afrocentrism[1][3][7][8]. The album tackles love (“Eye Know”), coming of age and sexual awakening (“Jenifa Taught Me”), social commentary (“Ghetto Thang”), and self-acceptance (“Me Myself and I”). Even when addressing serious topics, De La Soul maintains a sense of optimism and playfulness. The group’s willingness to be vulnerable and self-deprecating set them apart from their peers[5][7]. The use of humor and absurdity—whether in lyrics about dandruff or surreal storytelling—serves to both entertain and disarm, making the album accessible without sacrificing depth[1][3][5]. **Pros:** - Emphasis on positivity and individuality - Wide thematic scope, blending humor with introspection - Subverts genre conventions, expanding hip-hop’s thematic boundaries **Cons:** - Some themes may come across as naïve or lightweight compared to the era’s more hard-hitting social commentary - The album’s quirky tone may not appeal to those seeking more traditional hip-hop bravado --- ## **Influence** The impact of *3 Feet High and Rising* on hip-hop and popular music is immense. The album is widely credited with pioneering alternative hip-hop and jazz rap, opening the door for acts like A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, and later, OutKast[1][3][5][7]. Its sample-heavy production set a new standard for creativity and experimentation in hip-hop, influencing producers and artists for decades. De La Soul’s embrace of Afrocentrism, individuality, and positive messaging helped anchor the Native Tongues collective, which would become a major force in early 1990s hip-hop[7]. The album’s use of skits became a template for countless hip-hop records that followed, and its eclectic approach to sampling demonstrated the genre’s potential for musical collage and cross-cultural dialogue[1][3][7]. Despite its influence, the album’s legacy was complicated by legal issues surrounding sample clearance, which kept it off digital platforms for decades—a factor that arguably limited its exposure to new generations until its recent re-release[1][2]. **Pros:** - Pioneered alternative hip-hop and jazz rap - Inspired a wave of creative, experimental artists and producers - Helped establish the Native Tongues movement **Cons:** - Sample clearance issues delayed its availability on digital platforms, impacting its long-term visibility and influence[2] - Some later listeners may find its innovations less striking due to the many artists it inspired --- ## **Pros and Cons Summary** | Pros | Cons | |---------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Highly original, playful, and intelligent lyricism | Some rhymes and references feel dated | | Groundbreaking, eclectic sample-based production | Dense production may overwhelm some listeners | | Positive, wide-ranging themes; subverts genre conventions | Quirky tone may not appeal to all | | Integral, entertaining skits that enhance the album’s concept | Some themes may seem lightweight or naïve | | Pioneered alternative hip-hop, jazz rap, and hip-hop skits | Sample clearance issues limited digital access for years | | Helped establish the Native Tongues and influenced generations | Innovations may feel less novel to modern ears | --- ## **Conclusion** *3 Feet High and Rising* remains a landmark in hip-hop history, celebrated for its fearless creativity, humor, and positivity. De La Soul and Prince Paul crafted an album that broke every rule, inviting listeners into a world where intelligence, individuality, and fun reigned supreme. Its inventive sampling, witty lyricism, and thematic depth set new standards for what hip-hop could be. While some aspects of the album may feel dated or overly quirky to modern ears, its influence is undeniable. It opened up new possibilities for hip-hop, paving the way for alternative voices and experimental production techniques. Even decades after its release, *3 Feet High and Rising* stands as a testament to the power of innovation, reminding us that the genre’s boundaries are always meant to be pushed.
Great hip-hop music.
Очень необычный пльбом особенно для своего времени, вся музыка в нем совершенно разная, "основные" треки очень хорлши а все эксперементы просто прекрасны и экслюзивны
So many layers, musically and lyrically. Brilliant and creative.
What a great, classic hip hop album this is. It's fun, energetic and incredibly tight. The production by the amazing Prince Paul is perfect. Thankfully, they cleared the samples to get this one onto streaming sites, which was long overdue. Even the skits (very often the low point of albums from this era) don't detract from how impressive this collection is. This is easily one of the best hip hop albums of the 80s. I can't stop listening.
A glorious album.
Eye Know
A solid solid and groovy album
Hell yeah, this album was a ton of fun. I've never been able to get into hip hop and kept looking for something that would click for me. This is definitely that.
DE LA SOUL YES!!!!! Easy5 star: )
Oh my, what a perfect album, loved this at 18 still love it
Fun, weird, tons of samples. Skits that started the trend?
Straight positive vibes and good beats, I really enjoy this album
The De La Souls take on humour, surrealism and tasty samples, focusing on melodic funk hooks rather than dissonant sampling. There's a smattering of romance as well, pretty non-existent in the rest of the hip-hop world ("Hold my hand, and we'll pick my plantation of daisies for a bouquet of soul"). Optimism and positivity leap off the vinyl, giving a joy rarely found in their competitors. It is a long album at over an hour, and it would sound a lot tighter if chopped a bit. There are a few (e.g. 'This is a Recording') that don't add much to the album. But the modus operandi is one of psychedelic journey; so, unlike many an album, the hefty album length doesn't sink it, but adds to the mystique. I love all the elements of this, the joy, the dispassionate delivery, surrealism, the overriding creativity. Something of a treasure trove.
Hip Hop for kids
Just as good throughout as it was back in college. Maybe a bit silly in places but ultimately it adds to the albums charms. Sure, it’s great to roll with BDP and Public Enemy but at times it’s cool to roll with the smart and creative nerds.
A classic. This lives in my top 5 albums of all time, where it belongs. The beats, infectious. The humor, nonstop. The writing and structure, timeless. I’ve literally listened to this everyday on a long afternoon walk for a month straight just to see if I pick up something new.
Classic rap album, heel veel verschillende geweldige samples, zo enorm veel highlights op dit album. Je kan horen dat ze gewoon aan het genieten waren met alle skits en vage nummers. Misschien niet voor iedereen, maar zeker wel voor mij
This is one of the best rap and hip hop albums I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. Most of the album immediately went on my personal playlists. Once again, the list is proving it's worth. Absolute gem of an album. 5/5
I’m just happy I can hear this on Spotify after De La’s unfortunate contract deals. One of the best by one of the best.
un peu country
Loved this album!
Awesome album, one of my favorite rap styles
Classic
Chill easy to listen too and good vibe
This album isn't perfect, but it is still amazing. The range of samples and what's created from them is pretty brilliant, even if it could be trimmed a bit. I also feel like this is one where I feel the goofy skits are sometimes a lot of fun, even if I usually skip them. This is one of my favorite albums of this era.
Great album.
I played it so loud that I went def.
Five Fresh and Funky Stars
ludilo album, triput poslusala, bangeri i dalje bengaju
Meni ti je ovo jedan od najdražih albuma uopće. Sigurno top pet hip hop albuma i vjerojatno najdraži feelgood/pozitivan album uopće
Classic old school hip hop nonsense!
5 stars , even though the skits are skippable !
Classic
This is what all hip hop should have aspired to and be the benchmark for any comparisons within the genre. Lyrics are witty and tightly woven, but more importantly, don’t lower themselves to the misogynistic drivel that is pumped out and hailed as being outstanding (looking at you Mr Lamar).
This is the 67th album I’m rating. I haven’t listened to much but I’ve heard great things about the album and I’ve listened to The Magic Number. Adding to my Playlist - The Magic Number, Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin’s Revenge), Ghetto Thang, Eye Know, Tread Water, Potholes in my Lawn, Say On Go, Plug Tunin’ (Last Chance to Understand), Buddy, Me Myself and I, This is a Recording 4 Living in a Fulltime Era (L.I.F.E), and D.A.I.S.Y Age. Not Adding to my Playlist - Intro, Change in Speak, Cool Breeze on the Rocks, Can U Keep a Secret, Transmitting Live From Mars, Take It Off, A Little Bit of Soap, Do As De La Does, De La Orgee, Description, I Can Do Anything (Delacratic), and Plug Tunin’ (Original 12" Version). All in all I liked 12/24 songs. This wasn’t nearly as good as everyone said it was. There were a lot of truly awful songs on this album.
Great!
Was a little afraid of the length of the album but it was well composed and overall I really liked it. Original sound and awesome vibe.
A scrapbook of ideas dense with detail. Should have been the future sound of hip-hop but sampling laws put a stop to that. There is a reason everyone adores this thing: it’s a complete blast!
One of my favorites!! Can’t believe this was 36 years ago!!
1. I love how in early hip hop there was no concern about your samples having been “done before” so you would just throw in stand by me and sitting on the dock of the bay 2. Believe it or not this isn’t even the best de la soul album (DLS is dead)
I'm almost a full year into this and I have to say there's not enough hip hop on here. So I was very excited today when 3 Feet High and Rising came up. Especially after yesterday's stinker. I'd rate this album immediately if it let me. I rated it 35 years ago
This just absolutely rips. We need more Hip-Hop like this in 2025. Its goofy, its funny, and its good! Really good. Happy this is on streaming finally. Best Song: Buddy Rating: 8.5/10 5 Stars
classic. influential af. plenty of bangers but some of the skits are a bit of a chore. fun album tho
Weird fun boppy clever, never heard anything like it
Nice
Amazing vibe
One of my favorite hip hop albums ever. So fun
Great rap album. Thoroughly enjoyed
Really enjoyed this. 3 is the magic number
One of my all time favourite albums - never get tired of it
The samples (Hall & Oates!) put this up there with Paul's Boutique, but the through line of repeated lyrics, story telling, and game / children's show skits give it a world-building feel that the Beastie Boys' album doesn't have. & while this feels like the antecedent to so many other hip hop subgenres, it's still so uniquely its own thing - and has a timeless feeling that very few other albums from this period have.
Oh hip hop
The group of MCs and producers who made this album couldn't get any cooler and it feels like they are letting the listener in on their coolness.
The skits detract from the great music, but they are mercifully short so I'm not docking a star, although I was tempted. As for the music itself, I love it. Say No Go is probably my favourite track, but the whole album is strong.
Ooh De La. The hundreds of uncleared samples. The daft but fun lyrics littered throughout. The endless joyous beats. The constantly going on about plugs (I failed to comprehend) The run from Eye Know through to Say No Go. The magic number and me myself and i The offer of a grand prize - I want to know what it was!
great
So good! Been meaning to check them out for a while now but kept forgetting, I’m so glad I got this album, its just excellent
ALL THE STARS
a perfect album. Maybe my favorite jazz rap album of all time and I only had first heard it in tenish years ago now. Very funny and fun. Clever. Great beats. What else is there to say?
Eye Know that this is classic. Fantastic release.
Stone cold 5. Awesome use of samples and a breath of fresh air. Uplifting, unpredictable and trailblazing. Killer
Great album 5/5
More like 4.5 but this is so fun so here we are
When people say "the vibes are immaculate", this is what they mean. An incredible debut
Loopy, lackadaisical, lyrical genius. So fun! Rhymes never went where expected and the beats are a singular vision. World expanding.
So fun and silly, wish I had this as a kid (even better, we got it when we’re 40)
I seem to remember having this on cassette tape. I don't know what to say about this album except that I love it. Possibly the first time I really "got" sampling in my young life, back in the days when music journalists were still asking if rap was a fad. The albums a bit inconsistent but where it hits, it hits hard and it's so unique that I can overlook a few short tracks of mucking about that don't land for me. Five stars!
All albums will be 1, 3 or 5 stars, with no further commentary or explanation given. I feel bad now about having given Spotify so much free promotion, so from here on out: re-listen, via streaming.
I love the album cover, and the intro song was funny and charming. I like that the album continues with the scene set in that song, they don’t take themselves too seriously. The Magic Number is a song I’ve heard so many times but never knew the artist, it’s such a good song. De La Soul sounds like the origins of hip hop with a little soul combined and I love the vibes. Every song is something my body wants to move to. The beat in Change In Speak is fire. Can U Keep a Secret is so funny… Danny is a SCRUBBB. Eye Know also has a fire beat it’s something you can’t help but nod your head to. Fave Song: Eye Know Least Fave Song: Say No Go Overall rating: 5/5
Loved every second of this. Really surprised how much I enjoyed it.
There are so many flaws in early hip-hop albums, it took many years of trial and error to really perfect the genre - but it’s the flaws, bumps, and faults with this album that make it so damn good. That being said, the production on this album is unreal. Eye Know is such a well-produced track it’s not even funny. I listened to this album for the first time ever this year, introduced to me on vinyl. My first listen I was pretty indifferent, it was enjoyable, but nothing really stuck out to me except for Me Myself & I. Then I listened to it again, and again. And again. Then I finally took a deep dive into this after getting it on this list - and wow, what an album. Every beat slaps, every bar rhymed with purpose. As I said, it’s not perfect, but that’s what makes this such a raw experience. Not to mention, extremely tasteful features (I’m looking at you, Q-Tip). The only massive drawback I have with this album is the sex scene. I will never for the life of me understand why artists think I want to hear that shit in songs. Christ. I think if I didn’t listen to this for a 5th time I would have given it a 4, but it’s really grown on me a lot. I don’t think you’d be able to find a better alternative hip-hop album of the 1980’s, and I’d love to be proven wrong. So impressed with this album and it only seems to get better the more times I listen to it.
Amazing, refreshing, fun. We need more De La Soul in this world.
This album had a seismic impact when it was released. I've still got the original vinyl copy I purchased on import. There was nothing else really like it. The skits between tracks, the lyrics, the humour, the sound! I'm probably in a minority by saying the follow-up album -De La Soul Is Dead - is better. That really is splitting hairs though, they are both incredible. One of the easiest 5 stars I've given.
This rap feels so effortless. I had never heard of De La Soul, but I'm really enjoying the rap groups of this era, like ATCQ and the Roots. Cool samples from all over, groovy bass lines, and creative lyrics keep this sounding impeccable. I could listen to this all day. The best here is probably Eye Know, but I also liked Jenifa Taught Me, The Magic Number, Buddy (Q-Tip again, awesome), and Me Myself and I. Could probably do without the skits, but thats a genre problem more than this album.
Classic good vibes hip hop in an era of gangster rap